Portsmouth 25th - 26th July 26
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September 2026.
BMW owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for enthusiasts.
Heritage & History
Waterloville
A contingent from the Butser IX Roman Legion will be in residence around the Roman Villa at Butser Ancient Farm with demonstrations, roman cooking, crafts, games and more.
Christmas
New Forest
Don't be late for a very important date! Alice's Christmas Wonderland is coming to Beaulieu in a brand new festive experience for 2026.
Workshop
Sandown
Step into the world of wildlife photography right here at the Sanctuary with our new Bear Photography Workshops — enjoy a half-day experience designed especially for beginners and keen amateurs.
Walking
Town Quay, Southampton
Explore Southampton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route. Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 29th June 26 including Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm and Finn McMissile.
Music
Basigstoke
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT OAKLEY HALL'S
DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE NIGHT
You're invited to join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton! Oakley Hall Hotel is thrilled to host a spectacular Dolly Parton Tribute Night,…
Festival
University Road, Southampton
One of the longest-standing science festivals in Europe, welcoming over 10,000 visitors each year, the British Science Festival comes to the University of Southampton this September.
Tour
Stockbridge
Enjoy a guided house tour of one the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – Houghton Lodge - a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790.
Childrens Events
Sandown
Watch the epic, Wildheart-themed drone show as part of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary 50th anniversary celebrations this September
Show / Display
Northwood
Historic county show on the Isle of Wight The Royal Isle of Wight County Show returns on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July 2027. With a history dating back to 1833, the event has long been a showcase for our island's agricultural heritage, local…
Talks
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
If you're looking to design or refresh your home décor, join the Home Design Stylists at John Lewis Southampton for this deep dive into all things new season Heritage.
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Get ready to explore Portsmouth like a real‑life detective! With two treasure‑hunt walks, you’ll spot clues, solve puzzles, and discover amazing things you’ve never noticed before. It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s perfect for curious kids (and…
Show / Display
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in the most visited multisensory experience in the world as Van Gogh Alive brings his masterpieces to life, giving you the sensation of being amongst his paintings.
Music
Winchester
Journey beyond the stars in an extraordinary experience that combines classical music and the cosmos at Winchester Science Centre.
Set beneath the vast dome of a planetarium, this immersive live event transports audiences through breathtaking…
Music
Winchester
Get set for an audio and visual experience like no other as the music of the iconic Led Zeppelin comes to life in the Winchester Science Centre Planetarium!
Indoor
Winchester
Get away this summer with a two-night stay away at the Royal Winchester Hotel. Located in the heart of Winchester, this historic hotel full of modern comforts is a fantastic base not only to discover the ancient capital of England, but also the…
Heritage & History
Winchester
Explore the Royal Winchester Hotel buildings and discover their history including secret Roman Catholic services, 18thc Benedictine nuns, a silk mill, and a love child of the Duke of Wellington as part of Heritage Open Days nationwide event on the…
Christmas
Basingstoke
CHRISTMAS 2026
Exclusive Christmas Party Nights
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT OAKLEY HALL HOTEL, BASINGSTOKE!
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Party Night at our charming countryside hotel. The room will be exclusively yours where you can…
Halloween
Beaulieu
The New Forest Activities favourite BattleZone just got a whole lot scarier! Paint the battlefield dead as your ghoulsome troops creep up on the enemy, using infra-red technology guns to spook your way to victory.
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